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Kythoni Glyko- Quince Spoon Sweet

Total Time

2hrs55mins

Prep 25 mins

Cook 2 hrs 30 mins

From "The World Of Greece: Odyssey" Magazine - May/June 2008 issue. This recipe is for the traditional Greek "Glyko Koutaliou" or "Spoon Sweet." "Syrup-laden baklavas, karydopitta, or even the thicker, cakey ravani-style desserts are served on holidays and special occasions, but the everyday sweet is customarily a spoonful of a glyko koutaliou. To this day, spoon sweets are a traditional offering, literally a sweet welcome for visitors into the Greek home, whether they’ve come for a chat or on a more formal occasion. Spoon sweets are also served at the village kafeneion, a teaspoon-sized serving on a small dish set before the guest or visitor with a glass of iced water and a cup of strong Greek coffee. Traditionally each household put up their own spoon sweets according to the availability of fruit in season. Sweets were made in small quantities, usually to recipes handed down from one generation to the next." Spoon sweet can be eaten by itself or spooned over yogurt or ice cream. Yield is a guess.

Directions

Peel and core the quince, reserving both. Using a very sharp knife, cut the quince into thin matchsticks. Set aside.

Combine the quince cores and peels in a medium heavy saucepan. Add 2 cups cold water, the wine, and 1 cinnamon stick. Place over medium-high heat and bring to a boil. Lower the heat to a simmer and simmer for 30 minutes. Remove from the heat and strain through a fine sieve, discarding the solids.

Place the liquid in a large heavy saucepan. Add the reserved quince along with the sugar and remaining cinnamon stick. Place over medium heat and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer, stirring and skimming frequently, for about 2 hours, or until the liquid has become syrupy and the fruit has turned a deep amber color. Remove from the heat and set aside to cool. When cool, serve or transfer to a non-reactive container, cover, and refrigerate for up to 3 months.